Meet Tia Herrod | Chef & Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tia Herrod and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tia, how do you think about risk?
I always believe not taking the risk is the biggest risk you can take. You have to push yourself and sometimes that can mean taking a risk, but I feel the higher the risk can often bring a higher reward. Creating your own business and being an entrepreneur is a risk in itself. I think I’ve always pushed myself to take risks in my life and it’s brought me to where I am today. I never think of it as a risk, more like a big jump and I hope I land on my feet.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am still finding daily how to mold and create what my cooking style is and how I can communicate what I want to say in that medium. This may be a forever journey, but I love to explore and can’t wait for the next inspiration. Lately, I’ve been trying to steer my original concept away from the fast and casual pop up events and into a more intimate experience. I know putting your mind to something is easier said than done, but that’s what I do. I think if you can have the determination and somewhat of a direction it can be simple. For me, I don’t set a specific goal more of a large brush stroke / road map, that way I don’t get tripped up or feel defeated. As long as I am heading in the right direction, that’s good enough for me. I feel excited to have the opportunity to share my food and flavors with others and I am just happy that there are supporters and people that are just as excited about the culinary world as I am. I am grateful for the support as I find my way in this industry.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Let’s say it’s summer: We would be biking the silver comet trail, and then stop to get lunch at star provisions after. Definitely take a trip down the Chattahoochee and grab a bite at Pho’ 24. If I’m not cooking/eating I’m outdoors. Another favorite spot is The Howell Mill area, so many great restaurants and of course the Westside Betline. My current favorite thing to do, is taking a long bike ride and then getting a Bento Box from Sushi Itto on Briarcliff Rd.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My journey to where I am today started late 2018, I was introduced to a wonderful, hardworking private chef and business owner by a mutual friend. I am lucky to call them both my friends today. Kate Blohm and Julia Kesler started the ball rolling for me, I got my foot in the culinary door and never looked back. Next, I sought out more of a classical approach and wanted more training in the craft and was able to secure a stage opportunity at Lazy Betty, a tasting menu experience here in Atlanta. I got the opportunity to work closely with all the talented chefs there and I’ve been able to hone my skills, it has contributed the most to where I am today I would say and I am grateful for that.

Website: https://kettleblackatl.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kettle_black_atl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kettleblackatl/

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Kate Blohm